Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

that the term ‘‘ Tantric worship ”’ is now by the other classes confined to its so called lower forms and is associated in the public mind with Wine and immorality....All students of Hinduism are invited to read the learned author’s introduction.’’—The Modern World (C. S. N.)

“The “ Principles of Tantra’ isa remarkable production of the day .... In his illuminating Introduction Arthur Avalon has evinced a thorough grip of the true inwardness of the Tantra.””—The Indian Mirror,

‘The general impression about Tautrism of which Mr, Avalon is an enthusiastic and fearless exponent has been that it is a degraded form of religion sanctioning immoral practices under its veil. . . . The author has indirectly shown that taking its philosophical aspect into consideration, it can attain a very high level and compare favourably with, or even excel, the doctrines of Sankhya or Mayavada, There is, no doubt, that the author has done good service to the Tantra Agama and students of philosophy in general by his scholarly contribution which has filled his heart and is a labour of love.’ —Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society.

“Completely vindicates himself as a student of Orientalism who has shown more profound sympathy with the essentials of the Easterner’s spiritual life than almost any scholar one can readily think of, No religion has suffered more grievously on account of prejudice and superficial study than the doctrine of Tantrism...... We cordially commend the essays.’’—Bombay Chronicle.

This attitude towards life is especially open to the extreme of sensuality. The author frankly admits that worship presented by- this school has led.to abuses which have attached to the word Tantra such an exaggerated onus of ill-route. But similar excesses have been found in other sects and a system must not be judged only by its failures... The place of prominence throughout is given to the philosophic aspect. The first fact which strikes the student of Eastern philosophy is the author’s extraordinary knowledge and the second is his impartiality. He is evidently attracted by the Tantrik conception of Shakti but he is careful to avoid claiming any merit for his protege that he does not justify by facts and lucid reasoning and what is more he writes neither as a practitioner nor even as an adherent of the system he champions.’’—New

India,

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